Fringe Review: Peter Antoniou's Psychic Circus

Peter Antoniou's Psychic Circus @ Sweet

The corporate uniformity of Sweet at the Grassmarket couldn't be much further removed from the style of Psychic Circus. Freak shows, performing midgets, scam artists, guess-your-weight men. None of them are there but the show is something of an homage to this age-old style of entertainment.

Peter looks the part in his fantastic black and white brogues, dark suit and grungy belt. His routines are inspired by early circus and cabaret entertainment which is not only an obvious area of enjoyment and fascination for our performer but a great premise for his bizarre mentalist talent. It translates nicely to stage too, though perhaps could use more of a visual and aural accompaniment to pull audiences into that time itself.

The small venue means most of the audience get involved and with this type of show it's the best way to be flummoxed by what transpires. The are occasions of the usual mind-reading stunts; almost invariably someone is thinking about and/or drawing a cat. Pete dresses up the show in other interesting ways though. His naggingly creepy ventriloquist 'bit' is a winning routine and has a hint of the silent-movie era about it. Beautiful.

After one particular flourish there's a titter of appreciation and Pete comments, very honestly, that he's not entirely comfortable with the socially correct manner of applause and we should feel free to continue or abstain when we see fit. His playful banter is humble and endearing and it's difficult not to like this man. He also has a wicked sense of humour, though plays it safe. His charming demeanour makes it easy for him to connect with his audience though, and more of him would be nice.

Peter has always worked hard to bring a sense of odd-ball identity to his Fringe shows and with Psychic Circus this year he nails it.

3 stars